BEING CONFORMED TO THIS WORLD Dr. Kenneth Jones Pastor, Practical Living Ministry
T O D A Y S T E A C H I N G WHAT WE WILL COVER What is being conformed? Shaped thinking by this World The Course of this World The Scheme of Manipulation The Detriment of Passiveness
Am I taking captive of my thoughts or are my thoughts taking captive of me? Did you know that the average person has 10,000 separate thoughts each day? That works out to be 3.5 million thoughts a year. Every one of those 10,000 thoughts represents a choice you make, a decision to think about this, and not about that. Choice precedes Action: Your Choices are made dependent upon the Influences One subject oneself to Usually the first choice made is what you have decided to give your thoughts to
2 Corinthians 10:5 - Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; Realize that your mind is a battleground and whichever kingdom or influences controls your mind will control you. Thoughts come from three sources: Your human spirit, evil spirits, or the Holy Spirit (Matthew 16:13-23) The enemy can use your thoughts against you to bring you into captivity, for example, using your past to bring guilt, shame, and condemnation or stirring your desires to bring you into lust or sin. Remember that this is a constant battle. Your old thought patterns were not formed overnight and it will take spiritual submission, discipline, and weapons to pull down these strongholds and take negative, unproductive, and demonic induced thoughts captive
Philippians 4:8 - Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Is What I am Observing and Thinking: Honest: Reflects good character True: Worthy of reverence, honorable, not concealing truth Pure: Pure from carnality, chaste, modest; Is your thought-life clean? Lovely: Acceptable, pleasing; love towards. (It may be a true thought Good Report: Sounds well Virtue: A virtuous course of thought, feeling and action; moral goodness Praise: Commendable; That is, is it worthy of study and contemplation
Romans 12:1,2: I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God Amplified Version: Romans 12:2 - Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you]. To be not conformed to this world is a choice one must make in one s thinking and if one chooses to serve God as a living sacrifice
To conform to another's pattern To be similar, be in line with To Accept & Live by the Standards this World Accepts & Lives by (kosmos). To fashion or shape one thing like another; to conform one s self (i.e. one s mind and character) to another s pattern, (fashion one s self according to) Christians must face the fact that the Devil has created an atmosphere in this world that is ungodly, and which leads people away from God and into sin.
Finances Sexuality Hateful and Spiteful Accepted Immorality Worldly Values Inability to endure sound doctrine Passivity Prodigal Mindset
Ephesians 2:2 - in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. The course, or way of this world (age) is controlled by satan The course represents a period of instability, wickedness, weakness, calamity and misery To walk, means to regulate or conduct one s life or be occupied with
My Disposition (Reprobate, Carnal, Worldly Mindset, or Spiritual) affects my pattern of thinking, my attitude, and my behavior 2 Corinthians 5:17: If I am a new creature, then why I am resigned to thinking like the old man? Each Dysfunctional or Negative Mindset has its own set of Strongholds A Darkened Mindset leads to spiritual blindness Lasciviousness leads to greed, envy, jealousy, anger Self-Pity leads to depression, How we think, believe, act, and behave is contingent upon the information or revelation received this includes doctrine 2 nd Thessalonians 2:11: For this reason God will send upon them a deluding influence so that they will believe what is false, Even in the midst of truth, people will choose that which is false to validate their pattern of thinking
While there are commendable values, philosophies and traits the world over, we must also realize that such values and philosophies established in society are limited to man's imperfections and his desire for self rule. You can also say that of the Bible, but God's Word and principles reflect man's relationship to Him and to one another. God's virtues provides not only for success and harmony, but also there is an eternal perspective that transcends man's limited mindset to perceive life beyond. For example, Nietzsche is accredited with the philosophy of Nihilism which teaches the total rejection of established laws and institutions based upon the premise that God is dead. His views are noted to have inspired Hitler and his lack of moral compass whereas he sent almost 6 million Jews to their death. Now today, Christian Nihilism is the Christian principle of non-judgment erased of all laws of God.
The primary intention of Nihilism is to abolish Hell and the fear of Hell from men's minds, and no one can doubt their success; Hell has become, for most people today, a folly and a superstition, if not a "sadistic" fantasy. Even those who still believe in the Liberal "heaven" have no room in their universe for any kind of Hell. This philosophy has impacted so many Christians to live without accountability or reverence to God. There is no need for repentance, holiness, or renouncing sin as long as I am doing all right and mean well. This does not produce discipleship, but moral citizens WELL KNOWN PASTOR Just Explained Why He Refuses to Preach on Hell [People] already feel guilty enough. They re not doing what they should, raising their kids we can all find reasons. So I want them to come to ------ Church or our meetings and be lifted up, to say, You know what? I may not be perfect, but I m moving forward. I m doing better. And I think that motivates you to do better. HE IS MISLEADING MILLIONS!
The spirit of the world is the world's attitude, its inclination, tendency, atmosphere, mood, or frame of mind. The spirit of the world represents the culture, worldview, or mindset which can manifest in many ways, but it will always be anti-god(see Romans 1:21-32). The Prince of the Power of the Air is the ruling authority (influence)- Ephesians 6:12 By the way, there is no such thing as a Free Thinker: You are influenced by something or someone Satan (the prince of the power of the air) is still very much active among those in rebellion against God - the sons of disobedience. The Bible says we Once walked, meaning that it should be different for those what are made alive by Jesus Christ
Are we 'affecting' the world, or is the world 'infecting' us?" A.W. Tozer reminds us: "Where does Christianity destroy itself in a given generation? It destroys itself by not living in the light, by professing a truth it does not obey. Americans give approximately $4 billion in tithes and offering, but spend over $150 billion a year on pleasure. A serious misplacement of priorities. The world system relies on its ability to manipulate and deceptive even God very elect who are passive and distracted in their thinking and beliefs.
Rebellion (Rejection of the truth) Occultism (Movies, Spiritual formation) Pharmacy (Increased Drug Use & abuse) Spirit of Error Influence (Self Gratification & Pleasure) (False Teachers, Seducing spirits & Doctrines of Devils) A Teaching from PLM@ KJones copyright Religious Sins Idolatry and witchcraft (Sorcery) worship of occult and spiritual powers apart from the true God Sensual Sins Relating to Sexual Immorality Adultery, Fornication, Uncleanness & Lewdness Works of the Flesh Galatians 5: 19-21 People & Social Sins Interpersonal and Behavioral People Sins are primarily express themselves in how we treat ourselves & others. Social Sins are sins that are often committed in the company of other people. Governance ( Civil laws support of ungodly relationships) Loss of natural Affection (broken households, divorce rate) Revelry (Date Rape, Trafficking, out of touch with reality ) Violence & Wars (anger, malice, recklessness) Mindset (Reprobate, alienated, Darkened) 15
The course of this world (age) dominated by the spirit of this world (satan) represents a mindset contrary to the mind of Christ and Spirit of God. It is a mindset that has a force and power of darkness behind it. It is a manipulative force impacting the minds of sinners and believers Ephesians 4:17-19: This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, 18 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: 19 Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. The word vanity in the Scriptures means more than mere emptiness. It also denotes moral wrong
2 Timothy 4:3 - For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; As some churches are slowly moving towards short sermons to basically a church pep talk In today s postmodern church, we see many walking away from the hard truth. Some churches that once preached sound doctrine now teach as acceptable the very evils the Bible condemns. The truth is, God is not concerned with scratching our itches but in transforming us into the image of His Son (Romans 12:2; 2 Corinthians 4:4).
The Greek word translated itching literally means to itch, rub, scratch, or tickle. To want one s ears tickled is to desire massages rather than messages sermons that charm rather than challenge, entertain rather than edify, and please rather than preach. What you hear determines what/how you think. As a counselor and as a pastor, I encounter many Christians who approach counseling or the Word with their own preconceived idea or mindset. They only filter through what is pleasing to them or suitable to support what they are willing to believe or willing to adhere to
Carnal Christians Knowledge of the Truth, but choose to live according to the flesh and the dictates of their sensual desires Responsibility and Accountability of the Believer The Issue of Choice The carnal person wants to live without God's restraints. Worldly Christians Lack of knowledge of the Truth Responsibility on the Leadership Not teaching the truth and no expectation of accountability The worldly Christian sees no problem with living like the world as long as one can justify their behavior by amending the Bible to suit their worldview Can be used as an opportunity for Manipulation
An online survey by the nonprofit Changing the Face of Christianity, has indicated that about a quarter of Christians are 'not very Christian' in how they live their daily lives. Changing the Face of Christianity defined a "Worldly Christian" as someone who lives much like their non-christian peers and deals with challenges with little regard to what Christianity teaches. A worldly Christian is a person who has put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ, but still clings to his or her old ways of living. Their behavior and their attitudes aren t much different from those of their unbelieving neighbors, and their motives and goals seldom take God into account. (Billy Graham)
Why We Judge Without Question Certain Aspects/Events of this Worldly and Decadent Culture
2 Timothy 3:1-5: You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. 2 For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. 3 They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. 4 They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. 5 They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that! (NLT)
Sometimes people come to me with a request for me to Change another person. However, the only instrument of change is Repentance which includes a change of mind, heart, and course or direction towards a renewed mindset ( Go and sin no more ). Unfortunately, unless there is supernatural deliverance, this is still a matter of choice of what to believe, what to receive, and developing a renewed attitude and pattern of thinking about the experience, sin, event, and the need or motive for change. And when he (the prodigal son) came to himself (his senses), he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! Luke 15:17
Prodigal defined: The word loose (asōtōs) means a wild, abandoned, reckless manner which stems from a mindset of careless living But when he came to himself: When the son came to himself, he didn't join a self-help group. He didn't seek to repair his inner child. He didn't blame his friends, his boss, or the pigs. He went back to his father (I will arise and go to my father). He had to change his way of thinking. Three Elements of Repentance (Change): First, he comes to himself (v. 17). When you are alienated from God, you are always alienated from your true self as well. He came to realize his condition without God The second part of repentance is humble brokenness and a deep sense of unworthiness before God. Verse 18: - He didn t blame others for his conditions He took responsibility for his sin The third part of repentance is that we cast ourselves on God s free, merciful, bountiful provision of grace. Verse 17: God is there for us when we call upon him out of humble spirit and a pure heart. He came to realize the true remedy for his spiritual condition. Then he went home He changed his course from the world back to the Father
Strengthen our thought life in order to cast down imaginations and pull down strongholds Yet, the average teen is afraid to be alone with their thoughts which is why they are technology dependent upon social media. Their fear of being alone leads them towards anxiety, depression, and negative behaviors Ephesians 5:18,19: And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; 19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; I find that singing and speaking the Word of God and singing praises even to myself, strengthens my thought life; it gives me opportunity to meditate on the Word of God, and encourages my spirit
Guard our thoughts as we guard our heart Yet, we submit ourselves to so much media, ideologies, influences, movements, doctrines, philosophies without any discernment as to what we are hearing Psalms 101:3 - I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me. While this may be a lofty task as we are surrounded by so much evil and opportunities, we should at least discern what it is; teach our children to discern; and make a decision on what to do Colossians 2:8 - Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. Vain deceit: that is, that which is vain and empty, and has no solid foundation, even in nature and reason
Worldliness has no place in a Christian s conduct. Worldliness weakens and destroys our love and respect for God and sets us in opposition to His will. The Apostle John tells us "Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world; the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world passes away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever" (1 John 2:15-17). If we Christians want to become like Christ, we must become aware of the pattern of this world, the spirit of the age we live in that hinders us from becoming like Christ, and then make a conscious effort not to conform to them